Honiara City Council Emergency Operation Centre Activated
The National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has reported the urgent need for a comprehensive assessment of the situation following severe weather conditions that have led to widespread flooding in Honiara and other parts of the country. Over the weekend, the Honiara City Council Emergency Operation Centre was fully activated to monitor and coordinate emergency responses.
The heavy rainfall has resulted in devastating consequences, affecting communities and infrastructure across the region. The NEOC is currently engaged in assessing the scope and scale of the damage to provide effective relief measures.
Key Impacts of heavy rainfall in Honiara
- A landslide in Kwaio Valley (Kobito Area) has resulted in the destruction of one dwelling house, leading to the tragic loss of three children’s lives and one casualty (mother).
- The Lunga and Mataniko rivers are experiencing dangerously high levels of floodwaters.
- Burns Creek has flooded, impacting Burnscreek School, Palm Drive School, Solomon Power Residents, and the main road access to Betikama Adventist College (BAC).
- A landslide has been reported at Yellow Bamboo in central Honiara. A large stone rolled over at USP Hilltop, behind the Multi-Purpose Hall area, causing a semi-permanent dwelling-house to collapse with occupants reported injured. It is confirmed that three families totaling 20 people were living in this particular household.
- Flooding and debris along Honiara roads have occurred due to blocked drainage systems.
- Green Point Valley (Panatina campus) is flooded, contaminating the community’s water well for cooking and washing (domestic use).
The HCC Emergency Operation Centre acknowledges that it is still too early to receive comprehensive impact reports from communities. Therefore, the public is encouraged to report any impacts to the National Emergency Operation Centre via phone at 27936 or 955. The NEOC is on standby to support Provincial Emergency Operation Centres throughout the country.
In the midst of these challenging circumstances, the NEOC urges residents to take necessary precautions. Regularly tune in to radio broadcasts for further information and safety messages. For updates on impacts and safety measures, citizens can follow the Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Office and the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services on their respective Facebook pages. Additionally, individuals are advised to call 955 to report impacts and 933 for weather warnings and updates.
